MEETING: BOCC at Thu, Jul 24, 09:00 AM

County Sources

Packet Contents

AI Information

MEETING SUMMARY: Jefferson County Government Overview and Key Initiatives

General Introductions and Context Setting

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:00:19.000–00:10:51.000
  • Agenda Item: Not Stated (Opening & Introductions)
  • Categories: operations, personnel, other

Topic Summary

The meeting began with introductions of attendees, including County Commissioners, department heads, and members of the public, who shared their names, where they live, and interests (including the desire for a local dog park). County Administrator Josh Peters was introduced and prepared to give an overview of the county's structure, functions, challenges, and priorities. The speaker, Heidi, noted that Josh Peters would provide a short presentation before moving on to departmental updates. The meeting occurred at the Port Hadlock library.

Key Discussion Points

  • Heidi (Padlock resident for 45 years) expressed excitement about holding a meeting at the library.
  • Sandi (Oak Bay Area resident) brought a description of "2,000 parts" related to establishing county services.
  • Dave Chirassini (Mark Libault resident) expressed interest in the dog park, noting current travel to Fort Townsend or Ivanel Dogs.
  • Commissioner Greg Brotherton identified himself as the County Commissioner for District 3, living in Great Weatherington.
  • Commissioner Heather Dudley-Nollette (District 1) started her term in January this year, serving the City of Fort Townsend and one large region outside the city, and is from a family in the area for five generations.
  • County Administrator Josh Peters assumed the role at the beginning of July, transitioning from the Community Development Director role.

Public Comments

  • Dave Chirassini (Mark Libault resident): Interested in the dog park for his two dogs and desiring a location closer to home (00:02:09.000).

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

Josh Peters, the County Administrator, was directed to provide a presentation on the county's overview.

  • Decision: Proceeded with the County Administrator's presentation.
  • Vote: N/A
  • Next Steps:
  • - Josh Peters (County Administrator): Present an overview of county operations, structure, and current initiatives (00:09:50.000).

County Administration Overview: Structure, Finances, and Challenges

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:10:51.000–00:33:15.000
  • Agenda Item: Not Stated (Josh Peters Presentation)
  • Categories: operations, budgeting, personnel, infrastructure, planning

Topic Summary

County Administrator Josh Peters provided a high-level presentation on Jefferson County's organizational structure, key administrative functions, major financial figures, and ongoing challenges. Key departments include Public Works (86 employees) and Public Health (64 employees). The General Fund expenditure is approximately $30 million annually, with the Sheriff's office consuming a significant portion. Total budgeted county revenue for the year is $85 million, significantly boosted by federal indirect awards, largely for the Port Hadlock Sewer project. Current priorities include addressing financial uncertainty, the housing/homelessness crisis, climate adaptation, and difficulty in recruiting and retaining staff.

Key Discussion Points

  • County Structure: The county is governed by three elected Commissioners and has eight independently elected offices and eight appointed department directors (00:12:41.000).
  • Staffing: There are approximately 367 employees county-wide (00:13:07.000).
  • Recognition: Monty Reinders (Public Works Director/County Engineer) and Eric Kushma (Engineering Services Manager) received statewide recognition as County Engineer of the Year (00:13:52.000).
  • General Fund: Annual General Fund expenditure is about $30 million (00:14:49.000).
  • Total Revenue: The total budgeted revenue for the year is $85 million (00:15:11.000).
  • Major Challenges: Uncertainty at the federal/state level for revenue; new technology adoption costs; lingering inflation/recession threat; cost of housing/shortage and homelessness; climate change adaptation (sea level rise, wildfire risk); and difficulty recruiting/retaining talent due to isolation and lower pay compared to other entities (00:15:52.000–00:18:00.000).
  • Road Fund Challenge: Commissioners are considering putting a ballot measure on the November general election ballot to add 0.2% sales tax in unincorporated Jefferson County, specifically for the Transportation Benefit District (Road Fund) to manage the 400 miles of county roads and facilities (00:18:15.000).
  • Housing Progress: The county provided property for the Seventh Haven project (near QFC in Port Townsend) and the Caswell Brown Village (Mill Road) to housing providers to address needs of lower-income and unhoused residents (00:20:08.000). The Habitat for Humanity project on the old airfield property near Port Hadlock is seeking preliminary plat approval for over 130 units, enabling urban zoning once the sewer system is operational (00:20:51.000).
  • West End Roads: Emergency repairs, aided by the Governor, were rapidly completed on roads near the Hoh Rainforest, which are frequently washed out (00:22:01.000).
  • Community Development: Currently undertaking the 2025 periodic update under the Growth Management Act, focusing on a new housing element (planning for different income bands over 20 years), a new climate resilience element, and updating the Critical Areas Ordinance (00:22:40.000). The Planning Commission hearing for the Critical Areas ordinance is anticipated in August (00:23:46.000).
  • Forest Management: The county is developing management plans for unmanaged, forested parcels, noting that current overstocking creates a fire hazard. Work is being done with Chickadee Forestry and other entities to promote value-added timber products and small-scale forestry models (00:24:45.000).

Public Comments

  • None on this specific topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • The presentation included charts detailing the organizational structure (Elected officials, County Administrator, Department Directors), General Fund expenditures (Sheriff = largest chunk), and Revenue sources (Grants, Federal Awards, Property Tax, Sales Tax) (00:14:49.000–00:15:46.000).

Financials

  • General Fund Expenditure: ~$30 million annually (00:14:49.000).
  • Total Budgeted Revenue (All Funds): $85 million for the current year (00:15:11.000).
  • Port Hadlock Sewer Project Cost: Almost $36 million, with a large component from federal indirect awards (00:21:36.000).
  • Proposed Road Fund Sales Tax: Considering adding 0.2% sales tax in unincorporated Jefferson County (00:18:22.000).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Road Fund: Proposing a sales tax measure to diversify revenue sources beyond property tax and state/federal funding (00:19:01.000).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

The item was informational.

  • Decision: Informational presentation provided.
  • Vote: N/A
  • Next Steps:
  • - Board of County Commissioners: Consider placement of the 0.2% sales tax ballot measure on the November ballot on August 4th (00:18:50.000).
  • - Jefferson County Planning Commission: Anticipated hearing on the Critical Areas ordinance in August (00:23:46.000).
  • - Board of County Commissioners: Special meeting with fire chiefs and emergency management teams regarding wildfire prevention and mitigation anticipated in September at the Chimicum Fire Station (00:26:46.000).

Port Hadlock Sewer Project Update

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:33:55.000–00:41:42.000
  • Agenda Item: Port Hadlock Sewer Project Update
  • Categories: infrastructure, operations, contracts

Topic Summary

Sam Harper provided an update on the Port Hadlock Sewer Project, confirming that the new membrane bioreactor (MBR) wastewater treatment plant is nearing completion. Construction is transitioning into the operational phase, with infrastructure testing and lab accreditation underway. The plant is scheduled to start receiving influent ("food") on September 8th. The county has an Interlocal Agreement with the Jefferson County PUD (Public Utility District) to operate the system, which includes providing maintenance and billing. The project is designed to enable significant economic and housing development, notably the Habitat for Humanity 130+ unit project.

Key Discussion Points

  • Go-Live Date: The wastewater treatment plant is scheduled to start bringing in influent on September 8th (00:34:16.000).
  • Technology: The plant uses a membrane bioreactor (MBR) system (00:34:23.000).
  • Phase 1 Connections: The Library is one of the Stage 1 connection areas, where a grinder pump and tank will be installed (00:34:52.000).
  • Stage 2: Will focus on remaining commercial properties and multi-family units (00:35:10.000).
  • Future Design/Expansion: Design is currently underway for the Wooden Boat Star Marine Area (00:35:23.000). Connections will continue until grant funds are exhausted (00:35:32.000).
  • Operations & Maintenance: The County is a non-utility entity. The Jefferson County PUD will run the sewer system via an Interlocal Agreement, including hiring an operator and handling billing (00:36:38.000).
  • Ownership: The County/CUD owns from the grinder pump (the service sewer) to the collection system and the plant (00:37:41.000).
  • New Development Permitting: The County handles permitting and new developments within the Port Hadlock UGA (Urban Growth Area) (00:37:23.000).
  • Start-up Process: Strider Construction (out of Bellingham) is the on-site contractor, aiming to fill the plant with 24,000 gallons of flow over 3-4 days (00:38:13.000).
  • Seed Sludge: The plant requires "seed sludge" and "seed flow" (00:38:25.000), which is being acquired from the City of Port Townsend, plus 200 gallons of molasses, to activate the necessary bacteria (bugs) for treatment (00:38:47.000).

Public Comments

  • No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • The project's almost $36 million cost, largely funded by federal/state pandemic-era grants, and its role in enabling dense housing (00:21:25.000–00:21:49.000).

Financials

  • Port Hadlock Sewer Project Cost: Almost $36 million (00:21:36.000).
  • Funding: Highly grant-funded.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

The project is moving into commissioning and operational launch.

  • Decision: Informational update provided.
  • Vote: N/A
  • Next Steps:
  • - County/PUD Operator: Begin receiving influent ("food") at the MBR plant by September 8th (00:34:43.000).
  • - County/PUD Fiance Team: Continue meeting to finalize budgets and billing protocols (00:36:57.000).

County Treasurer and Sales Tax Revenue

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:42:28.000–00:54:39.000
  • Agenda Item: Not Stated (Treasurer's Report)
  • Categories: budgeting, financials

Topic Summary

County Treasurer Stacy Locascio provided updates on tax collections and explained how Jefferson County receives its revenue, particularly sales tax. The county relies heavily on property tax and sales tax since Washington does not have an income tax. A significant point was the explanation of "destination-based sales tax," where sales tax for online orders delivered to a Jefferson County address stays within the county, mitigating revenue 'leakage' from residents shopping outside the county. Locascio also noted that while retail sales tax is down, construction-related sales taxes (like those tied to the sewer project) are up, bolstering overall revenue.

Key Discussion Points

  • Treasurer's Role: The Treasurer's Office handles cash management for all taxing districts in Jefferson County, except the city and PUD (00:42:28.000).
  • Tax Due Dates: Halloween is the due date for the next tax cycle (00:42:40.000). Partial payments are accepted for those unable to pay the full amount (00:43:27.000).
  • General Fund Revenue Sources: About 60% of the General Fund comes from property taxes, federal Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT), and sales tax (00:44:32.000).
  • Sales Tax Rates: The City of Port Townsend's current sales tax rate is 9.4%. Unincorporated Jefferson County's rate is 9.2%. The proposed ballot measure would raise the unincorporated rate to 9.4% (00:45:54.000–00:46:10.000).
  • Destination-Based Sales Tax: If a physical purchase is made in Silverdale, the tax goes to Kitsap County. If an item is ordered online and delivered to a Jefferson County address, the sales tax revenue goes to Jefferson County (00:47:10.000).
  • Sales Tax Trends: Over the last year and a half, retail purchases have been slightly down, but construction-related sales (e.g., bridge projects, sewer) have generated strong revenue, allowing the county to keep its revenue up (00:52:26.000).
  • Economic Encouragement: Locascio advocated for spending money locally, noting that a dollar spent within the local economy circulates multiple times, creating more community wealth (00:53:34.000–00:53:51.000).

Public Comments

  • A member of the audience inquired about the "leakage" of sales tax revenue when people shop outside the county, suggesting that the destination-based tax system helps negate this for online purchases (00:48:16.000).

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • A chart showing 2024 sales tax earnings for various taxing districts around the peninsula was presented (00:46:39.000). The current tax authority and rates are available on the county webpage (00:44:54.000).

Financials

  • Port Townsend Sales Tax Rate: 9.4% (00:45:54.000).
  • Unincorporated Jefferson County Sales Tax Rate: 9.2% (00:46:00.000).
  • Proposed Road Fund Tax: 0.2% increase for unincorporated areas (00:46:04.000).
  • General Fund Tax Contribution: 60% derived from property/sales/PILT taxes (00:44:32.000).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

The item was informational. Financial data and collection processes were clarified.

  • Decision: Informational update provided.
  • Vote: N/A
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Public Works: Road Funding Crisis and Recycling System Changes

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:54:39.000–01:19:59.000
  • Agenda Item: Public Works Update (Roads, Waste, Parks)
  • Categories: operations, infrastructure, budgeting, services

Topic Summary

Public Works Director Monty Reinders discussed the breadth of Public Works responsibilities (roads, sewer, parks, solid waste/recycling, fleet management) and detailed the severe challenge facing the Road Fund. Due to increasing equipment costs (doubling in 10 years, e.g., a road sweeper that costs $300,000) contrasting with only 1.5% revenue growth, the department has cut staff by 25%. This has resulted in the essential "chip seal" maintenance program decreasing from a 10-12 year cycle to a 25-year cycle, severely jeopardizing road preservation. A second major topic was the proposed drastic change to the recycling system, aimed for implementation by April 1, 2026. The current three-bin, co-mingled system is labor-intensive, expensive, and results in illegal dumping, leading to a proposal for a single-stream, fee-based curbside model or paid transfer station drop-off.

Key Discussion Points

  • Public Works Scope: Manages County roads, Port Hadlock sewer, parks/recreation, solid waste/recycling, and the county fleet/equipment (00:54:39.000).
  • Grant Leverage: Public Works projects average about 5% county money and 95% grant money (00:55:53.000).
  • Road Fund Crisis: Equipment prices have doubled in 10 years (e.g., $300,000 for a new brush cutter), while road fund revenues have only increased by about 1.5% (00:59:02.000).
  • Staff Cuts: Road staff has been reduced by approximately 25% (00:59:02.000).
  • Chip Seal Program: This is crucial for road preservation (8 times cheaper than asphalt), but the maintenance cycle has stretched from 10-12 years to 25 years (01:00:27.000). Reinders noted the stark difference at the city limits where chip sealing ends (01:00:02.000).
  • Current Projects: Working on the Olympic Discovery Trail extension from Four Corners to Anderson Lake State Park. This $5 million project is built by Seton Construction (local) (01:02:26.000).
  • Solid Waste/Recycling Funding: This system is an enterprise fund, fully paid for through fees, not taxes (01:03:27.000).
  • System inefficiency: Jefferson County is the last in the state (except a small area of Whatcom County) using the three-bin separated recycling system (01:05:17.000).
  • Proposed Recycling Change: The proposal is to require recycling to fund itself, meaning customers must pay directly through curbside pickup or a fee at the transfer station (e.g., $20 minimum) (01:06:53.000–01:07:17.000). The current drop-off sites are subject to illegal dumping (41 tons hauled away in the last year from Port Hadlock/Ludlow sites) and would be eliminated (01:08:06.000).
  • Recycling Transition Timeline: Targeting April 1, 2026, when the current transfer station recycling contractor's contract expires, for the transition to a single-stream fee-based system (01:09:44.000).

Public Comments

  • A constituent, via Commissioner Dudley-Nollette, asked about the legality and permitting of frequent, temporary yard-style commercial advertisements along county roads in the right-of-way (e.g., Four Corners near Paradise Bay Road) (01:11:11.000).
  • Monty Reinders/Josh Peters Response: Commercial advertising signs are technically not allowed in the right-of-way, but enforcement is challenging due to limited staff (one code enforcement officer with ~1,000 cases). Priority is given to life safety or environmental hazards (01:15:26.000, 01:17:25.000).

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Jefferson County Code, Title 18 (Development Code), which contains sign regulations, was briefly referenced by Josh Peters (01:16:29.000).

Financials

  • Brush Cutter Cost: Last one was $150,000; a new one will be $300,000, illustrating a doubling of prices in 10 years (00:59:02.000).
  • Road Fund Revenue Growth: 1.5% over the past 10 years (00:59:02.000).
  • Road Project Funding: Larry Scott Trail extension is $5 million, 95% funded by grants (00:55:41.000).
  • Recycling Fee: Proposed $20 minimum fee to dump recycling/garbage at the transfer station (01:07:07.000).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Recycling: Transitioning from a tax-subsidized, three-bin drop-off model to a fee-based single-stream curbside or paid drop-off system to align with regional standards and reduce costs/illegal dumping (01:07:36.000).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

The item was informational and served as a discussion of proposed changes and challenges.

  • Decision: Informational update provided, pending action on recycling.
  • Vote: N/A
  • Next Steps:
  • - Public Works: Target implementation of the new recycling system by April 1, 2026 (01:09:44.000).
  • - Monty Reinders/Public Works: Investigate the illegal sign presence at the Four Corners intersection near Paradise Bay Road (01:15:05.000).

Dog Park Facility Planning and Community Funding

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:19:59.000–01:26:06.000
  • Agenda Item: Parks and Recreation (Dog Park Inquiry)
  • Categories: services, operations, planning

Topic Summary

Heidi Eisenhour, as part of her role overseeing Parks and Recreation, introduced the topic of a dog park in response to public interest. The goal is to establish two dog parks: one in the East Central Park area (Port Hadlock) and another in the West End/Quilcene area. Desired characteristics include a minimum size of one acre and separate sections for large and small dogs. Initial feasibility checks revealed potential planning conflicts at the suggested Port Hadlock location (H. J. Carroll Park) due to existing children's activities. A potential alternative site was identified across from H. J. Carroll Park near the Tri-Area Community Center's old baseball field. The construction and sustainment of the park are dependent on community-led fundraising, grants, and dedicated support, as the county does not have dedicated resources for implementation.

Key Discussion Points

  • Locations: Two dog parks are desired: East Central Park (Port Hadlock area) and a West End/Quilcene area site (01:20:33.000–01:20:46.000).
  • Design Standards: Recommended minimum size is one acre, with separate fenced areas for large and small dogs (01:21:05.000–01:21:19.000).
  • H. J. Carroll Conflict: County development and planning staff were hesitant about placing the dog park at H. J. Carroll Park due to conflicts with existing children's playground activities (01:22:20.000).
  • Alternative Site: Discussion raised the old baseball field across the street from H. J. Carroll Park, near the Tri-Area Community Center (01:22:56.000).
  • Funding Strategy: Implementation relies on intense community organization to pursue grants and perform fundraising; the county can grant permission for the property but lacks the budget to build or sustain them (01:24:12.000).

Public Comments

  • Dave Chirassini expressed interest earlier in the meeting (00:02:09.000). The current discussion included input from Commissioner Eisenhour on public requests (01:21:45.000).

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

  • Funding: Implementation is dependent on external grants and community fundraising (01:24:12.000).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • An alternative location was suggested across the street from H. J. Carroll Park near the Tri-Area Community Center (01:22:56.000).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

The item was informational, emphasizing the need for community engagement and funding.

  • Decision: Informational discussion provided on feasibility and funding requirements.
  • Vote: N/A
  • Next Steps:
  • - Interested Community Groups: Form a support group to lead fundraising efforts and grant applications (01:24:50.000).
  • - Public Works/Parks and Recreation: Work with established community groups on site studies and planning (01:25:10.000).

Central Services and Information Technology

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:26:47.000–01:29:15.000
  • Agenda Item: Not Stated (Central Services Update)
  • Categories: operations, computing, public safety

Topic Summary

Heidi Eisenhour introduced the Director of Central Services, who outlined the department’s role as primarily supporting other county departments rather than directly interacting with the public. Key functions include managing historical records (dating back to the 1800s), facilities maintenance (especially the courthouse), Information Technology (IT) infrastructure, and public records requests. The Central Services department is currently focused on modernizing IT infrastructure and cybersecurity.

Key Discussion Points

  • Functions: Records management (paper and electronic), facility maintenance (courthouse), IT infrastructure and support, and public records requests (01:27:03.000).
  • Facilities: Pride is taken in maintaining the functional and historical integrity of buildings, specifically the courthouse, noting an ongoing restoration project (01:27:41.000).
  • IT Focus: Ensuring IT infrastructure is "state-of-the-art" to support internal communications and cybersecurity (01:28:20.000).

Public Comments

  • No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

The item was informational.

  • Decision: Informational update provided.
  • Vote: N/A
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

WSU Extension Office and Community Programs

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:29:38.000–01:34:56.000
  • Agenda Item: Not Stated (WSU Extension Update)
  • Categories: services, consulting, other

Topic Summary

Richard Bragg, from the WSU Extension Office, provided an update on public education and outreach programs. The Extension Office coordinates numerous volunteer efforts, including Master Gardeners and 4-H. A significant recent focus has been re-establishing operations at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds. Bragg strongly encouraged attendance at the upcoming Jefferson County Fair, scheduled for August 8th, 9th, and 10th. The office also operates a mobile library program.

Key Discussion Points

  • Mission: Provides public education and community outreach (01:29:44.000 [Transcript unclear: 01:30:14.000-01:30:33.000]).
  • Programs: Volunteer coordination (Master Gardeners, 4-H), and in-person informational services (01:30:33.000).
  • Fairgrounds: The Fairgrounds Association has been working to re-establish operations (01:33:52.000).
  • Upcoming Event: The Jefferson County Fair will be held on August 8th, 9th, and 10th (01:33:40.000).
  • Mobile Library: Operates a mobile library for community borrowing (01:34:16.000).

Public Comments

  • No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

The item was informational.

  • Decision: Informational update provided; community encouraged to attend the Fair.
  • Vote: N/A
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

County Assessor and Property Tax Valuation

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:34:56.000–01:38:01.000
  • Agenda Item: Not Stated (Assessor's Update)
  • Categories: financials, infrastructure, land use

Topic Summary

The County Assessor, with 46 years of service, emphasized the legal requirement of inspecting every property in Jefferson County annually, noting the geographical challenges presented by properties in remote areas like Oil City, the West End, and Enchanted Valley. The Assessor clarified the unique structure of property tax in Washington State: taxing districts first set the amount of money they need to collect, and then the Assessor determines property values. Consequently, changes in assessed value generally result in inverse changes to the tax rate, not necessarily the amount of tax collected, which is set by the taxing authority/levy limitations.

Key Discussion Points

  • Geographic Scope: Jefferson County includes challenging survey areas like the Enchanted Valley and Oil City (01:35:14.000–01:35:20.000).
  • Mandate: Assessor is required by law to inspect every property annually (01:35:20.000).
  • Tax System Explained: Property taxes (unlike sales tax) operate by setting the amount of money to collect first. This amount is divided by the total assessed value to determine the tax rate (01:36:47.000–01:37:00.000).
  • Impact of Valuation: If assessed values increase, the tax rate generally decreases, maintaining the fixed collection amount. Increases in property tax collection are primarily driven by taxing districts adjusting the amount to collect or passing new levies (01:37:05.000–01:37:29.000).

Public Comments

  • No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

  • Tax Calculation: Assessed value divided into the desired collection amount determines the rate (01:37:00.000).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

The item was informational.

  • Decision: Informational update provided.
  • Vote: N/A
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Public Health: Services, Disease Mitigation, and School Nursing

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:38:09.000–01:46:37.000
  • Agenda Item: Not Stated (Public Health Update)
  • Categories: services, public safety, health

Topic Summary

The Public Health Director provided an overview of mandated public health functions, focusing on disease prevention and mitigation, clinical services, and environmental public health. Because Jefferson County is small, the department is responsible for essential mandated services that other counties might outsource. Key services include home-based nursing (especially for mobility-impaired residents), an advanced school-based health clinic in Port Townsend, and infectious disease investigation (e.g., Rabies prevention and reporting of infectious diseases). The department is also opening its first school-based health center at Quilcene Middle School in addition to the established one in Port Townsend.

Key Discussion Points

  • Mandates: Public Health is mandated to prevent and mitigate diseases (01:39:08.000).
  • Clinical Services: Due to the small population, public health provides direct healthcare services on the tri-area, including home-based nursing for residents with mobility issues (01:40:06.000).
  • School-Based Health: A "state-of-the-art" clinical facility exists in the Port Townsend school district atrium, providing primary care and vaccinations five days a week (01:40:39.000).
  • New Clinic: The first municipal-based health center is opening at Quilcene Middle School, serving all middle and high school students across all locations (01:46:13.000).
  • Infectious Disease: The department conducts surveillance and investigation of notifiable conditions (e.g., Measles, COVID, RSV), requiring immediate reporting to mitigate spread (01:42:08.000).
  • Rabies Prevention: Encouraged the public to report sick, low-lying, or lethargic wildlife (dead or alive) for investigation and to ensure pet vaccinations are current (01:43:23.000–01:43:53.000).
  • Other Initiatives: Supporting young children, addressing substance use disorder (including Fentanyl), and mental health programs (01:44:43.000–01:45:18.000).

Public Comments

  • No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

The item was informational.

  • Decision: Informational update provided.
  • Vote: N/A
  • Next Steps:
  • - Public Health: Launch the first municipal-based health center at Quilcene Middle School (01:46:13.000).

County Clerk, Auditor, and Recorder Updates

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:46:37.000–01:54:39.000
  • Agenda Item: Not Stated (Clerk, Auditor, Recorder Updates)
  • Categories: operations, land use, infrastructure, financials

Topic Summary

The County Clerk and the County Auditor/Recorder provided quick updates on their respective offices. The Clerk manages Superior Court records and finances and is implementing a new, updated security system for juror services in partnership with District Court. The Auditor/Recorder's office handles recording documents, licensing, and elections. A key point raised by the Recorder was the high cost of recording documents ($215), with most of that fee being allocated to state-mandated programs, primarily for homelessness and affordable housing, with only $5 returning to the county's General Fund.

Key Discussion Points

  • County Clerk: Manages Superior Court records and finances (01:46:43.000). Implements a new security system for juror services in partnership with District Court; citizens will receive a postcard to access an online portal (01:47:05.000).
  • Auditor/Recorder: Handles recording documents, licensing, and elections (01:48:10.000 [Transcript unclear]). Encouraged citizens to sign up for online services for vehicle/voter information (01:49:11.000–01:49:29.000).
  • Document Recording Fee: The fee to record a standard document (e.g., deed) is $215 (01:51:52.000).
  • Fee Distribution: Most of the $215 fee is state-mandated, primarily funding homelessness and affordable housing ($193.50 is the state portion). Only $5 of the fee goes to the County General Fund (01:52:42.000)

Public Comments

  • A member of the audience inquired about the large, fixed $215 fee for recording documents (01:51:52.000).
  • Commissioner Eisenhower added that the state-mandated portion goes into a fund that county agencies must apply for (01:53:35.000).

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

  • Document Recording Fee: $215 total for standard documents (01:51:52.000).
  • General Fund Share: $5 goes to the County General Fund from the recording fee (01:52:42.000).
  • State Portion: The majority of the fee ($193.50) is allocated to state-mandated programs, particularly for homelessness and affordable housing (01:52:47.000).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

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  • Decision: Informational updates provided.
  • Vote: N/A
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Generated On: 2025-11-07 14:04:19.149532-08:00 By: google/gemini-2.5-flash-preview-09-2025 running on https://openrouter.ai/api/v1/